Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the outer layers of the brain’s nerves. This leads to problems in brain-body communication, causing loss of balance, slurred speech, vision loss, etc. Unfortunately, the condition has no cure, and one can only manage the symptoms with medication. Because MS can be challenging to deal with, we have compiled ten essential facts about the disease in this article.

1. MS is a progressively chronic condition
This means that the condition’s symptoms only worsen with time, and patients have to increase the use of medications and other treatment options to handle the disease.

2. There is no specific test for diagnosis
There is no particular test to diagnose MS. Doctors put patients through multiple tests that include analyzing family history, physical examination, blood tests, MRI scans, and spinal fluid analysis tests. This is why most people get diagnosed after the condition has already progressed.

3. The exact cause is unknown
It is unclear what causes the immune system to malfunction and attack the nerve cells. However, health scientists say that T cells and B cells could have a role to play, besides other factors.

4. MS is common in colder countries
Studies show that MS is common in countries far away from the equator. These are locations that go through extreme bouts of winter. As per stats, the disease affects around 30 to 80 out of 100,000 people living far away from the equator.

5. Vitamin D may help lower the risk
Since studies show that people living in countries away from the equator develop MS more often, scientists believe that vitamin D from the sun may help lower the risk.

6. Women are more susceptible
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, women are twice more likely to be affected by MS than men. Doctors say that this could be because of a particular hormone found in women.

7. Younger people are more at risk
Most people think that MS is a disease for the elderly, but that is a myth. Most individuals diagnosed with MS are between the ages of 20 and 40.

8. The disease equally affects the brain
While most of the initial symptoms of MS are physical, with time, people start experiencing mental health problems too. Cognitive disorders are prevalent, and they affect people’s lifestyles more than physical changes.

9. Genes are not the only culprit
While the disease could be inherited genetically, there needs to be a trigger for the genes to cause abnormalities and lead to MS. The trigger could be anything from environmental factors to stress.

10. Treatments are getting better
There was a time when MS was a lifelong condition. Thankfully, that’s not true anymore. Today, there are advanced treatment options to treat symptoms, prevent their relapse, and improve the patient’s lifespan.